At Chicago Youth Centers (CYC), we educate and support children and families so they can succeed in the 21st century. We provide the tools, experiences, and resources needed for youth ages 3-18 to persist academically and develop socially and emotionally.

We engage children early and provide services when they are most vulnerable: after school and during the summer.

We offer family engagement programs to help families guide their children during critical transitions: entering kindergarten, starting high school, and preparing for college or a career.

We build strong partnerships within communities to create a village of committed community leaders, schools, volunteers, and peer organizations dedicated to our children's success.

We are currently conducting a search for a Paraprofessional. The work schedule is 9:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Responsibilities for the Head Start/Child Care Paraprofessional include:

Perform functions to provide additional support in the Head Start classrooms where preschool children with pre-diagnosed moderate to severe disabilities are enrolled.

The paraprofessional’s goal is to assist in providing a well-organized, smooth functioning classroom environment in which all children can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials.

Engage in positive interaction with other members of the instructional team, including educators, therapists, family members, administrators, and other paraprofessionals.

Assist classroom personnel in assuring the safety and well-being of all children in classroom

Assist classroom personnel in implementing classroom curriculum in accordance with Head Start and Early Head Start performance standards or individual childcare program standards

Implement teacher-designed instruction

Assist classroom personnel in meeting the specific needs of children with disabilities included in the classroom activities

Assist classroom personnel in communicating with parents, family members, and other program participants

Assist classroom personnel in communicating with CPS special educators or Early Intervention providers

Assist with critical daily activities such as classroom transition times, mealtimes and toileting

Utilize appropriate language, interactions and positive discipline

Model positive behavior

Assist with field trips or day trips such as neighborhood walks under the supervision of the Lead Teacher

Other duties as assigned to fulfill the mission of the program and agency needs

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED

Experience with children preferred

Strong communication skills (verbal and written)

Participate in monthly paraprofessional trainings provided by CYS and any other training deemed necessary by the agency. It is also important to bring back and share information presented at such meetings.

Flexible, with the ability to work in a highly demanding, stressful environment

EOE

Internal Number: 65971

About Chicago Youth Centers

Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) invests in youth in undeserved communities in Chicago to help them discover and realize their full potential. Caring for Our Communities for 60 years, CYC has steadfastly served communities on the south and west sides of Chicago. Today CYC centers are in seven communities across metro Chicago. We consistently deliver programming to serve the needs of kids, parents and communities—focusing on academic achievement, social and emotional skill development and parent/family engagement. Our centers are characterized by passionate and committed staff and serve as learning centers for our kids, community resources, and safe spaces.